If you manage an industrial facility where hazardous gases are present, you’re likely aware of the important role that a single gas detector plays in protecting worker safety. When used and placed properly, gas detectors will alert staff to the presence of deadly gases, allowing time for the workers to exit the affected area and for repairs to be made. These devices save lives while also providing valuable information about what part of a facility is in need of repairs. For the process to work the way it should, it’s important that you have the necessary number of monitors. Of course, you don’t want to pay for any you don’t need, so how many is enough? Here are some tips on determining the number of gas detectors you should have for your industry.
Fixed Gas Detectors
The first thing you’ll need to figure out is the placement of your fixed gas monitors. If your employees are always working in the field, and you’re not managing a single facility where gases are present, you might not need any fixed gas detectors. Otherwise, you’ll need to mount a fixed detector every place gas is present, so the number you need is dependent on the type of facility you’re outfitting. When mounting fixed gas detectors, its placement is important. If it’s detecting gases that are lighter than air (methane or ammonia), it should be placed higher than if it’s detecting heavy gases, such as sulfur dioxide or butane.
Portable Gas Detectors
If your employees are doing work where hazardous gases are present, then you’ll want them outfitted with portable gas monitors. While fixed detectors will alert you to a leak in the facility, portable detectors will protect each worker by sounding an alarm the moment they’re in contact with a dangerous gas. Each portable monitor, such as a four-gas monitor or a CO2 gas monitor, is far less expensive than their fixed counterparts. However, because they’re portable and worn while the employee is working, they’re subject to more wear and tear. The implication is that every worker needs their own monitor, and your company has to have several extra monitors in reserve in case some detectors are out of service.
Service Contracts
The best way to keep the number of detectors on hand to a minimum is to sign onto a gas detection company’s service contract. Gas detection companies offer plans that provide field service so you can have your equipment repaired or recalibrated on-site. Because you won’t have to send any of your portable monitors to the manufacturer for service, you can save a lot of time, but you’ll also save money because you won’t have to pay for any backup detectors. Service contracts ensure proper maintenance of all your portable detectors, so instead of assigning every employee their own detector (and keeping several around for backup), you only need as many monitors as are being used at any one time.
When you need to outfit your facility with a fixed CO2 gas detector or dozens of portable detectors, contact DOD Technologies, Inc. We can provide you with the products and the services you need to provide maximum protection for you and your workers. Give us a call today at (815) 680-6086.